Hundreds enjoy biggest-ever Hops for Habitat

The Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna buzzed with conversation and laughter Saturday, during an annual craft brew and cider tasting fundraiser for Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity.  
Spokesperson Ken Quattrin said Hops for Habitat drew more than 500 people and 30 breweries, with attendees coming in from around the region.  
“It’s the biggest Hops we’ve ever had,” he said. “The distances people are driving is incredible.” 
Pat Heydon, who took over April 11 as Two River Habitat's executive director, was involved with the first two Hops events. She said it’s exciting to see how the event has evolved.  
“It’s great to see the support for Habitat for Humanity,” she said. “I am in awe of the breweries that are willing to support the mission… and we have an awesome group of volunteers who come back year after year.”  
South by Southeast Brewing Co.–SXSE for short–made its first Hops for Habitat appearance Saturday. Owners Tessa Leung and Ann Fahy-Gust, a master brewer, founded their brewery in Pine Island to make beers that would showcase southern Minnesota, Leung said.  
They participated Saturday because “we like to choose events that support community… and the community can be anywhere,” she added. “This was just a natural fit for us. It’s a really well-run and beautiful event.”  
Heydon said the real purpose of Hops for Habitat is to share information about the agency’s mission. Supported by volunteers, Habitat for Humanity builds and remodels houses for people who couldn’t otherwise afford home ownership.  
In 2018, the Rochester area and Steele-Waseca area agencies merged to form Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity, which serves Steele, Dodge, Olmsted, Wabasha and Waseca counties.  
“It’s getting the word out and helping people understand the need for affordable housing and to understand how important it is for all our communities,” Heydon said. “Stable housing keeps communities connected. It keeps people engaged.” 
Quattrin said Saturday the total raised for the event was still being tallied. Attendees voted Angry Hog Brewery & Taproom from Austin as their fan favorite.